Crock Pot Cocktail: Pumpkin Spiked Hot Cocoa

by Fayeruz Regan Sep 20, 20200 comments

Per usual with Virginia weather, the seasons changed overnight. On Sunday I was slathered in sunblock on the James River, and two days later, I'm enthusiastically hoping a sweater still fits. And it feels wonderful! Not just the fact that the sweater fit. I'm talking about all of it. The crisp, clean air, the cozy throw blankets, the smell of wood smoke. Sigh.

The latest online cooking class from Ladles and Linens got me even more in the spirit. Sweet, sweet Sarah made Hot Coconut Milk Punch (pictured below). For anyone who hasn't joined the party, these cooking classes on Facebook are free - one of the silver linings of COVID-19.

spiked coconut punch

While we're all feeling warm and fuzzy, I'd love to share a crock pot cocktail recipe. Pumpkin Spiked Hot Cocoa! It's creamy and delicious, and when made in a crock pot, a real crowd-pleaser. I'm a big fan of ready-made cocktails for guests. In the summer they're in iced pitchers and when it's cold out: the crock pot. No muss, no fuss, and more time to relax.

Note: If you are hosting underage visitors or non-drinkers, skip the vodka and this is good to go!

What you'll need:

2 cups heavy cream
4 cups milk
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 cups Stoli Gluten Free Vodka (or more!)
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
marshmallows or whipped cream for (garnish)

Instructions:

Put the slow cooker on low
Mix in all the ingredients (except the chocolate chips)
Whisk until smooth, then add in the chocolate chips
Cook on low for at least 2 hours, until the chocolate chips are fully melted
Whisk again and serve with marshmallows or whipped cream dusted with pumpkin pie spice

Enjoy! As evidenced by the below photo, my sister (pictured right) and I really get into the autumn spirit. Bonfires, hayrides, the whole bit. I can confirm that a simmering crock pot of goodness was responsible for the bottom two photos!